'Hardik Pandya can win games with his batting alone': Michael Clarke bats for all-rounder's inclusion in World Cup squad

Jan 20 (AZINS) Hardik Pandya has been surrounded in controversies since his appearance at the celebrity talk show. After getting sent back from the Australian tour and being suspended for the limited overs series against New Zealand, Pandya is set for a hearing from the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA).

However, Australia’s former captain Michael Clarke is having a positive approach to the situation. He said that Pandya is an important aspect to the Indian team especially when they are preparing for the World Cup.

"A talented player like Hardik is very necessary for the balance of the side. He can win games alone with his batting and I am confident he will be in that World Cup squad," Clarke stated.

The 2010 World Cup-winning captain also spoke about young cricketers on them focusing on earning respect. He talked about how respecting everyone is important regardless of the fact you are a star or an international cricketer.

"How much money you have earned is irrelevant because most important thing is to earn and give respect. I think it all starts with how you have been brought up.

"Respecting every individual is very important. It starts with respecting elders regardless of profession.

"Professional sportspersons are role models, recognized and they have a responsibility. Having said that, everyone makes mistakes and one needs to move on and learn from them," said Clarke.

On Saturday, BCCI acting President CK Khanna requested the CoA to lift the suspension on Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul and allow them to play more games during the hearing as there is less time for the World Cup 2019.

"They made a mistake, and they have already been suspended and called back from the series against Australia. They have also submitted an unconditional apology," Khanna wrote in his letter to the CoA.

"I suggest that pending inquiry we reinstate both the cricketers into the Indian squad immediately and allow them to join the team in New Zealand at the earliest."